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I have worked with quite a few people with diabetes (most of them have type 2), and through consistent work with a dietitian and my exercise programs, we’ve always been able to gain control of body weight.
But a lot of diabetics get to a stage where they also want to improve their fitness and build up some muscle mass. This is entirely possible without messing with blood sugar and insulin levels.
Before you just jump in and buy the first whey protein powder you see, I have done some careful research and analysis with my dietitian to come up with a list of the best protein powders for diabetics.
Let's see which best protein powder gets on top of the list.
Top Protein Powders for Diabetics (September 2023)
1 - Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate (Editor's Choice)
Here at Total Shape, we have become big fans of Transparent Labs’ best protein powders and other nutrition supplements.
One of the biggest benefits of this whey protein shake is the total absence of anything other than actual healthy protein. The entire team, with our clients' feedback and in-depth research, considers this as the best protein powder for diabetics because of this.
This particular whey protein shake also contains less than 1 gram of carbohydrates in each serving, meaning that it won’t cause havoc with your glucose and you won’t have to adjust your diabetic meal plans. It helps maintain your calorie and carbohydrate intake.
- Calories : 120
- Protein : 28g
- Carbs : 2g
- Fat : 0.5g
- 28 g of whey protein from grass-fed cows (rBGH)
- No whey protein additives or fillers to worry about
- Significant savings available on bulk orders
- Available in tasty flavor options
- An unflavored option would help for mixing with other foods
With no sugar or artificial sweetening agents, a lot of online reviews highlight that the flavors of this whey protein are natural and tasty, without compromising blood sugar. The only downside to this whey protein is that you can’t get it as an unflavored option to mix it in with meals or snacks, but it's still one of the best protein powders for diabetics in my opinion.
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2 - Plant Protein Powder by Ladder
Another sugar-free protein powder for diabetics I highly recommend is the Plant Protein by Ladder. If you're not into whey protein, Ladder offers a good alternative.
The Ladder supplement underwent a transformative journey spanning four years, during which a team comprising notable figures like LeBron James and Arnold Schwarzenegger invested their efforts. This implies that the Ladder supplement experienced a significant development phase, refining its formulation and qualities to ensure a premium product.
This plant-based protein powder provides a higher dose of branched-chain amino acids, which is more than enough to fully repair your body after an intense workout [1,2].
While incorporating this supplement into my routine, I observed enhanced performance that allowed me to push myself further in the gym and recover faster. Beyond its delicious chocolate flavor, I particularly appreciate its easy digestion and smooth texture.
Check out our Ladder whey protein powder review here.
- Calories : 130
- Protein : 21g
- Carbs : 7g
- Fat : 2.5g
- 100% plant based protein powder
- NSF-Certified
- Contains a higher dose of EAAs and BAAs
- Contains probiotics
- May contain more sugars than other protein powders
What I love about this protein powder for diabetics is that it’s completely plant-based, helping you reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and improving your overall physical function [3].
You can choose from two different flavors. The best part is both of these options taste more natural, ensuring you don't have that unpleasant cough medicine-like aftertaste. Regardless of your choice, you’ll definitely find your muscles recovered the next day after taking this protein powder.
3 - Orgain Organic Protein Powder
This is one of the more popular brands of organic plant-based protein powders, with it being based on rice, pea, and chia seeds. It's also a good alternative to whey protein powders.
The protein powder blend is important as it provides the full range of amino acid nutrients needed for muscle growth and recovery [4].
It’s a low-carb protein powder for diabetics with no added sugars that could lead to blood sugar increase.
A dozen of my clients with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes reported that including this protein powder in their diet helped support their diet and exercise efforts.
I saw quite a few comments from people with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes who found this protein powder supports their diet and exercise efforts.
- Calories : 150
- Protein : 21g
- Carbs : 15g
- Fat : 4g
- Based on pea, rice and chia seeds
- Sugar-free to avoid glucose spikes
- Contains fiber for digestive health
- Low fat and carbs per serving, making it easy to support a diabetes diet
- Currently only available as vanilla flavor
The only real downside to this protein powder is that you can only get it in vanilla flavor right now. If it's a flavor that you like, then this unsweetened protein powder is a solid choice to make, especially when you want to use it on baked goods like waffles or pancakes.
4 - Future Kind Organic Vegan Protein Powder
Here’s one of the best protein powder treats for all the vanilla lovers out there, especially the lactose-intolerant ones.
Future Kind whey protein is derived from 100% organic non-GMO yellow pea and contains the full spectrum of amino acid nutrients. You will get 20g of pure protein in one serving, which your muscles would love after the strenuous workout.
According to the high-quality protein powder label, it has as little as 1g of carbs, and zero sugars added (organic stevia is used as artificial sweeteners). And what attracts many nature lovers is the fact that the sugar-free protein powder package is made of eco-friendly recycled materials.
Yet, the massive appreciation this whey protein shake is getting owes mainly to its natural taste - it doesn’t have that artificial vanilla flavor that most protein powders do. That’s why those looking for the strong chemical vanilla flavor may end up disappointed and find it a bit bland.
- Calories : 85
- Protein : 20g
- Carbs : 1g
- Fat : 0g
- Contains 20 grams of clean, plant-based protein
- Low carb and zero sugar for better blood sugar
- Delicious vanilla flavor
- No protein powder fillers and artificial flavors
- More flavor options would be awesome
Thanks to the protein powder ingredients and smooth and natural taste, this protein powder has rightfully earned its place on our list of the best protein powders.
5 - Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein Powder
For many people, whey protein powder is not going to be an option due to lactose intolerance.
Vegans will also want to avoid all dairy sources, and Transparent Labs has created a great plant-based protein powder option based on rice and pea protein. It's what makes this protein powder a viable alternative to whey protein powders.
Not only is it free from any milk or other animal ingredients and artificial sweeteners, but it’s also non-GMO and gluten-free.
I’m a fan of the flavors as they are subtle and not fake tasting, I also found that this protein powder is easy to mix and dissolve, unlike most similar products in the market.
- Calories : 130
- Protein : 24g
- Carbs : 3g
- Fat : 2g
- 24 g of pea and rice protein for a broad range of essential amino acids
- Gluten-free and non-GMO protein powders
- No added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or colors for better blood sugar levels
- Chocolate and vanilla flavors mix easily
- The chocolate version has 150 calories, 7 g of carbs, and 2.5 g of fat
Related Articles: Best Vegan Fat Burners
One thing to keep in mind though is that compared to the above option, this protein powder (chocolate flavor) does have up to 7 grams of carbs, including 4 grams of fiber. It’s not a huge amount, but just something to be aware of.
Get 10% off using coupon code: TOTALSHAPE
6 - Slim Fast Protein Shake
My registered dietitian suggested a few years ago that I recommend Slim Fast products because they are generally low in sugar and carbs.
This soy and whey protein powder for diabetics is available in two different flavors (chocolate and vanilla), which mix easily into meal replacement shakes.
This whey protein also makes it a great choice for weight loss efforts by helping you skip a meal or snack during the day.
- Calories : 190
- Protein : 10g
- Carbs : 24g
- Fat : 6g
- Less than 1g of sugar when mixed with water, not milk
- Many positive reviews about working as a light meal replacement
- Good source of vitamins and minerals
- Low-fat content supports most diets
- Contains soy and whey protein which may not be suitable for certain allergies
While testing this supplement, I found that it elevated my energy levels and contributed to a gradual weight loss when used alongside a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
7 - Garden Of Life Protein Powder
This company has focused on creating a natural blend of protein powder and digestive-supporting ingredients.
At the same time, they have managed to avoid adding unnecessary carbs and fat, which is so common these days.
The nutrient profile of this best protein powder covers the full range of all essential amino acids by blending a wide variety of plant products.
- Calories : 170
- Protein : 28g
- Carbs : 10g
- Fat : 2g
- No added sugars to help avoid blood sugar increase
- Protein powder blend sourced from a wide range of plant products for best amino acid profile
- Rich in vitamins for overall immune health
- Includes probiotics and enzymes for digestive health
- Some people have commented that it’s not the easiest protein powder to mix
I did find the best protein powder flavors were good, and the unflavored option is great for mixing with smoothies. But there are several comments online that it’s not the easiest to mix in a shaker .
Is Protein Powder Bad for Diabetes?
No, protein powder isn’t bad for diabetes. However, it's essential to consider other ingredients, as added sugars or carbohydrates often found in sweetened or flavored protein powders can cause blood sugar spikes.
Diabetics should avoid sugar and carbs whether they have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. However, it’s not enough to only look for “No Added Sugar” labels or avoid anything high in carbs when looking for the best protein powder.
A lot of sugar-free protein powders can still have a load of carbs listed in the content. And some protein powder supplements have added fiber, which increases the carb content but isn’t absorbed by your body [5].
So, you need to check for the label of the protein powders or any protein supplement. Ideally, there should be no sugar and low in non-fiber carbs.
In terms of protein powder, a healthcare journalist reiterated that there's no correlation between protein and blood glucose levels.
Protein itself does not have much of an effect on blood sugar, though the food the protein is in may. Typically, people with diabetes don't need any more protein than people who don't have diabetes.
- Shereen Lehman, Health Care Journalist
See related articles:
FAQs
Can Diabetics Drink Protein Shakes?
Yes, diabetics can drink protein shakes, but they need to pay close attention to the labels. Take note that diabetics can eat protein bars too. Anything high in sugar or non-fiber carbs in protein powders can cause blood sugar spikes.
Which Protein is Best for Diabetics?
Whey protein powder is best for diabetics, as long as they don’t have any dairy intolerances. The advantage is that whey protein powder is absorbed faster and covers a full range of essential amino acids, especially as a smoothie. Absorbing the macronutrients faster is a great way of ensuring that you're pumped up and ready once you do your workout exercises.
Is Too Much Protein Bad for Diabetics?
Yes, too much protein powder is bad for diabetics since it could cause side effects like stomach upset. The more physically active you are, the more your body will be reliant on protein to repair muscle tissue, so keep that in mind before cutting down on your protein intake.
Does Protein Raise Blood Sugar Levels?
No, protein doesn’t raise blood sugar levels in any significant way. It is dependent on insulin from a metabolic perspective, but it doesn’t come with the same medical risk as carbs. The best protein powder products included in this best protein powder list are all low in carbs, thus ideal for controlling blood sugar levels.
Do Protein Powders Cause Weight Loss?
No, the protein powders do not cause weight loss or gain as long as you stay below the daily recommended amount of protein. For best results, take protein powder with cardio and weight lifting to help with weight loss while maintaining muscle mass.
Our #1 Protein Powder For Diabetics
Whether you have general body weight loss goals or want to bulk up and become a bit more athletic-looking, Transparent Labs Whey Protein is going to provide the best effects.
Many of my diabetic clients are satisfied, and the fact that it has practically no carbs at all makes meal planning easier.
After extensive testing, client interview, and research, our team is convinced that this brand has the best protein powder for diabetics.
Offering 28 g of whey protein, 0g of carbohydrates, and zero additives, you can work around your meal plans without glucose spikes.
Contact us and let us know if you like this best protein powder.
Our #1 Protein Powder For Diabetics
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
- 28 g of whey protein from grass-fed cows (rBGH)
- No whey protein additives or fillers to worry about
- Significant savings available on bulk orders
- Available in tasty flavor options
- Get 10% off using code: TOTALSHAPE
- An unflavored option would help for mixing with other foods
About The Author
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Diabetes protein powder has been found to be helpful with people who have Type 2 diabetes in a way that it helps in secreting insulin. These discoveries are making life easier for our community.
I have diabetes 2. I enjoy lifting weights, drink whey protein shakes for diabetes, and was considering adding extra BCAAs to my supplements. There is a lot of advice on the internet urging me not to do this. I’m fairly well-controlled; I take metformin and berberine, both of which lower blood glucose levels. This should be fine with me, right?
It has been found to be helpful with people who have Type 2 diabetes in a way that it helps in secreting insulin. These discoveries are making life easier for our community. Best protein powder for insulin resistance is of course the Future Kind Organic Vegan Protein Powder.
Protein Powder For Diabetes that really helps you to buy the right product for you. Here you find the article is written after a good research and on the basis of customer review